At the end of every year, I like to look ahead and plan for a fresh start. While I’m not exactly a resolutions person, I do think about goals, aspirations, and plans for my two favorite areas of life: travel and style. As a stylist, I can’t predict which destinations will top every travel list, but I can point you in the right direction to help guide your packing lists.
Several trends are officially being shelved as we move into 2026. Quiet luxury, which dominated wardrobes for the past few years, is giving way to a more expressive, maximalist approach. That shift shows up in bold primary colors replacing monochrome neutrals, dark denim washes taking the place of distressed jeans, and silhouettes evolving from ’90s shapeless dressing and cutouts to ’80s-inspired power tailoring.
Many of these updates are also refreshingly travel-friendly, prioritizing versatility, comfort, and visual impact without sacrificing polish. Trends like elevated sets, functional bags, and low-profile sneakers are set to define how we dress for trips throughout 2026. Below, discover how to shift your style for the year ahead and shop the trendy, packable pieces before your next getaway from Quince, Nordstrom, and more.
A Fashion Stylist’s Top Picks
Out: Quiet luxury
In: Maximum style
Quiet luxury, a trend defined by understated neutrals, minimal branding, and ultra-subtle silhouettes meant to signal wealth without flash, is beginning to fade. While its refined, low-key approach dominated wardrobes for several seasons, the aesthetic now feels overly restrained and predictable. In its place, fashion is embracing a maximalist mindset that celebrates personality and visual impact. Eye-catching textures like faux fur, fringe, and sequins, along with sculptural cuts and bold proportions, are stepping into the spotlight. For travelers, this shift encourages packing fewer, more impactful pieces—think one statement piece or bold accessory that instantly elevates even the simplest travel outfit.
Zara Fringed Midi Skirt
Zara
Out: Ultra-small handbags
In: Large, functional bags
Ultra-small handbags may be cute, but trading them in for medium or large functional bags makes everyday life—and travel—far easier. Totes can hold essentials like wallets, phones, water bottles, notebooks, and tech, eliminating the need to juggle multiple bags while on the move. Their versatility is a major advantage, working just as well for sightseeing as they do for transit days. These practical silhouettes prove that function and style don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Cuyana 13-inch System Tote
Cuyana
Out: Logo-heavy athleisure
In: Polished matching sets
In 2026, logo-heavy athleisure is taking a backseat to elevated travel wear that feels intentional, polished, and designed for movement. Matching sets are evolving into more refined versions, with designers leaning into tailored knit separates and streamlined layers. These matching sets look put-together while still delivering comfort, thanks to thoughtful details like stretch fabrics, subtle structure, and breathable materials. Ideal for long flights and busy travel days, they offer a polished alternative that transitions seamlessly from airport lounges to city exploring.
Free People Drea Sweater and Pants Set
Nordstrom
Out: Chunky sneakers
In: Low-profile ballerina sneakers
Chunky “dad” sneakers are stepping aside in favor of sleeker, low-profile styles that feel lighter and more refined. The new wave includes the rising ballerina sneaker trend, defined by slim silhouettes and soft, flexible construction. These styles bridge the gap between sporty and polished, pairing just as easily with tailored sets and relaxed trousers as they do with dresses. Built with lightweight cushioning, they’re especially well-suited for long airport walks and full days of sightseeing.
Vivaia Cristina Square-toe Lace-up Satin Sneakerina
Amazon
Out: Monochrome neutrals
In: Bright primary colors
Monochrome beige, camel, and gray were staples of the quiet-luxury movement, but the palette is beginning to feel overly serious. In its place, brands are embracing color as a form of self-expression, with shades like electric blue, tangerine, sunshine yellow, and hot pink taking center stage. Even a single pop of red—on a legging, bag, or sunglasses—can instantly modernize a travel outfit and make it feel more intentional. These vibrant hues also photograph beautifully, making them ideal for destination dressing and standout vacation looks.
Alo 7/8 High-waist Airlift Legging
Alo
Out: Distressed denim
In: Dark denim
Heavily distressed denim is falling out of favor in exchange for cleaner, dark-toned jeans that feel more refined. Rips, fraying, and exaggerated wear can skew overly casual, especially as fashion moves toward longevity and versatility. Deep indigo, inky navy, and rich black denim offer a sleeker alternative that transitions effortlessly from day to night. As a bonus, dark denim is particularly travel-friendly—it dresses up easily, resists looking worn, and works across multiple settings without needing an outfit change.
Levi’s 318 Shaping Wide-leg Jean
Amazon
Out: Cutouts
In: Preppy-sporty chic
Put sexy, skin-exposing cutouts on pause in favor of a more polished, travel-ready alternative. Preppy-sporty chic blends athletic staples—like track pants, windbreakers, and sporty sneakers—with classic elements such as polos, cable knits, and rugby stripes. The result is a look that feels intentional, comfortable, and effortless, making it especially well-suited for travel days when ease, layering, and versatility are key.
J.Crew Vintage Jersey Rugby T-shirt
J Crew
Out: ‘90s shapeless outfits
In: ‘80s power dressing
Fashion is moving away from the shapeless, untucked ’90s silhouettes that defined much of the early 2020s and toward a sharper, more intentional approach. While relaxed fits aren’t disappearing entirely, the emphasis is returning to structure inspired by ’80s power dressing. Defined waists, pencil skirts, and tailored trousers are back with confidence. For travel, these structured pieces offer polish without excess, blazers with stretch, and belted silhouettes that instantly elevate simple basics while remaining comfortable enough for full days on the go.
Safrisior Loose Sleeveless T-shirt
Amazon
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.